Monday, 2 March 2015

Tanjong Jara Resort, Terengganu, Malaysia

Beachfront of Tanjong Jara Resort

Tanjong Jara Resort

“Unmistakably Malay”

The sun is beginning to shine again on the East Coast of
Malaysia as the rainy season says farewell for another year, revealing blue
skies and calmer seas. Not all was quiet however under the wet spell. A team of
busy bees has been hard at work for the past four months refreshing rooms,
building new facilities and in general giving Tanjong Jara Resort a good spruce
up.

Beach and Boat

The stunning beachside resort is ready again for visitors,
and we had the chance to take a look on their opening weekend, noting recent
refurbishments and luxuriating in that distinctive hospitality YTL properties
have become well reputed for.

Only Four Hours Drive
from KL on a Newly Opened Highway!

But, before we go too much further, and you start
remembering Terengganu as a minimum three or four night stay location, be cheerfully
advised that the new highway has just opened its final stretch, connecting
Kuala Lumpur to the East Coast in a smooth four hour ride without traffic (and
that’s sticking to the speed limit, as we strongly advise all responsible road
users to do). That turns Tanjong Jara Resort into an easy weekend getaway, and,
with some great all-inclusive
packages valid until the end of March, we suggest you start making your
travel plans pronto before all the weekends get booked up.

Private Car Transfer from KL - smooth sailing with a YTL driver and a brand new highway

Sun Chairs

Refurbishments

Tanjong Jara Resort has long been the place to stay on the
East Coast, especially for those who like their accommodations with a splash of
luxury, graceful service and superb facilities. And… the latest revamp only
serves to enhance that opinion even more so.

Security

On the security side, a new fence has been built securing
the entire perimeter of the 17 hectare property. A Nepalese security crew has
been hired and they patrol the borders at night with a team of huskies. Rooms
were already fit with standard safety measures such as fire extinguishers, but
now too have emergency lights, and updated electronic safety boxes.

Beach Chairs and Sunrise

Rooms

Besides a general freshening of appearance through the
upgrade of some fittings, polishing of floors and touch up coats of paint, rooms
have added décor in the form of ceramics and photographs, giving each space a
more sophisticated feel. Outdoor balconies too got an upgrade with coffee table
and chairs joining the day bed.

Malay Architecture

Serambai Seaview Room

Balcony

Green Grounds - View from our Balcony

Bathroom with Double Vanity, Separate Shower, Bathtub and Toilet

Facilities

The beautiful manicured gardens, tropical seaside atmosphere
and long stretch of golden beach is the main leisure attraction, but Tanjong
Jara Resort, buffs up the options of things to do with modernized facilities
and a few new additions. Shaded tennis courts kept hubby busy for a good few
hours, as did not one but two pools: one overlooking the sand and sea suitable
for families, and another adults’ only pool three metres in depth also used for
dive courses (of which by the way of note is a brand new dive centre). A glass
walled gym allowed us to exercise in air-conditioned comfort, and the
introduction of volleyball and badminton courts provide further alternatives
for play. For less active pursuits hammocks, day beds and lounges are spread
across the property issuing many a spot to loll in the cooling sea zephyr,
contemplating life, or nothing at all.

At Tanjong Jara Resort guests can do as much or as little as
they like. For those who want activity though, there’s definitely no shortage
of it. Capturing the local vibe, visitors can fully immerse themselves in Malay
culture with a host of inspired recreation alternatives.

Hammock

For the active there’s a guided
bicycle tour through a local fishing village, sucimurni exercises on the lawn, a nature walk accompanied by the
in-house botanist, or even a jungle trek to the 200 metre high Chemerung
Waterfall. Added just this year are wau
(traditional kite flying on the beach), a pétanque court, and black and white
screenings of Hollywood and P. Ramlee movies on beanbags by the pool. Come
March 1, when the waters have stilled, snorkeling and diving around Tenggol
Island will certainly be a highlight.

A Good Day Excursion is a Trek to Chemerung Waterfall

For those with more culinary
inclined interests, a morning market visit followed by a cooking class with
Chef Ann (a character no guest ever forgets) is a must.

Chef Ann at the Market

On the weekends, the village
comes to you, with the Kampong Sucimurni
Lifestyle program. Artisans, cooks and fun seekers display their wares, let you
sample their fare, and engage guests in anything from a traditional dance, or
board game to a round of sepaktakraw
(similar to soccer where a rattan ball is kicked around the lawn). Caffeine addicts
should be sure to try the thick sweet kopi
kampong, and a bite of keropok lekor,
deep-fried fish serves as a great pre-dinner bite.

Kampong Sucimurni Lifestyle Program

Food and Beverage

Food and beverage options have
also been expanded this season. Teratai Terrace boosts the food selection with
some light poolside bites, while the original, Di Atas Sungei serving many
Malaysian favourites at breakfast and dinner, has been refreshed. Nelayan
though is our favourite spot. Perched on the beach, whether it’s sunny or
stormy, the glass walled interior or al fresco settings, allow us to marvel in
the magic of the sea: high waves rolling in, or innocently calm, the scene
changes day to day, season to season.

Di Atas Sungei

From Di Atas Sungei Patio

Pastries and Coffee at Di Atas Sungei

Beer and Beach

Coconut at Nelayan Restaurant

Beach Dinners with Your Feet in the Sand are Easily Arranged with a Little Notice

One thing that hasn’t changed at
Tanjong Jara Resort is the service, and thankfully so. We feel cared for here.
At breakfast a waiter notices me squinting with the rising of the sun and, and
without me communicating this discomfort verbally, he lowers the blinds and
draws the sun shade across just enough to relieve my eyes but not too much to
cover my view. Later at Nelayan restaurant, the manager Remy, greets us by
name, recalling my requests from the day prior for vegetarian dishes, and hubby’s
fondness for burgers and beer. The attention to detail and warmth in service
continues throughout our stay, right up to our departure where we’re waved off
and bid a pleasant journey.

Friendly Staff Welcoming Us With a Bang on the Gong

Until the 31st of March the resort is offering an
East Coast Dreamin’ deal where rooms, including breakfast, lunch and dinner,
and some activities, are priced from RM630++ per night, for a minimum two night
stay. Make
your reservations here.

Water and Greenery are Prominent Throughout the Resort

Reasons to visit: stunning
seaside location; only a four hour drive on a brand new highway from Kuala
Lumpur; plenty of activities or quiet as you desire; a unique dining experience
at The Rock.